Statewide Voluntary Preschool for Four-Year-Old Children

1. Statewide Voluntary Preschoolfor Four-Year-Old Children January 28, 2009

2. Tonight’s Goals/Objectives • Share information with you regarding the statewide voluntary preschool grant • Define options available for Spirit Lake • Receive feedback

3. Agenda • Share Information about preschool grant (20 Minutes) • Groups provide information about the pros/cons of each option (35 minutes) • Summarize and receive whole group feedback about each option (30 minutes) • Closing-List future dates (5 minutes)

4. Discussion Item • How important is a quality preschool program for the children of Spirit Lake?

5. The purpose of Iowa’s Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program for Four-Year-Old Children is to provide an opportunity for all young children in the State of Iowa to enter school ready to lean by expanding voluntary access to quality preschool curricular for all four-year-old children.The statewide program was established May 10, 2007, when Governor Chet Culver signed HF 877.

6. The allocation of funds for the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program is intended to improve access to quality early childhood education and provide a predictable, equitable and sustainable funding method to increase the number of children participating in quality programs. Therefore, the four-year-old preschool funds should increase the number of children participating in quality programs.

7. General Application Information • This application process is competitive • Selection Criteria for Funding: • Priority shall be given to school districts that have a high percentage of children in poverty and such children shall receive first priority. • Priority shall be given to school districts that don’t have existing preschool programs within the school district boundaries.

8. General Application Information • Selection Criteria for Funding: • Consideration shall be given to school districts with established, high quality, community partnerships for the delivery of preschool program services that are seeking to expand access. • Consideration shall be given to the size of school districts in large, medium, and small categories in order for there to be equitable statewide distribution of preschool program services.

9. General Application Information • Only those applicants that certify the following assurances shall be considered for funding: a. That the applicant has or will have an appropriately licensed teacher available for the program by October 1, 2009. b. That the applicant has or will have sufficient numbers of staff available for the program by October 1, 2009

10. General Application Information c. That the applicant’s program is or will be operational by October 1, 2009. d. That, during the instructional time described in sub rule 16.3(4), instruction shall be delivered in accordance with the applicant’s curriculum and with the child learning standards described in sub rule 16.3(5)

11. Assurances • Approved Program Standards--QPPS,NAEYC, Head Start Program Performance Standards • Early Learning Standards • Integration of children from other state and federally funded preschools • Ratio of at least one staff member every 10 children in a classroom during the instructional time. • A minimum of two staff members shall be present when 11 to 20 children are present.

12. Assurances • Group or class size of not more than 20 children • A minimum of ten hours per week of intentional instruction • Instruction provided by the teacher and is directly related to the curriculum and exclusive of recess. • Appropriate staff development and a career development plan for the district teacher

13. Assurances • Appropriate staff development for staff • Curriculum & Assessment is research or evidence-based • Adequate space & materials • Snacks or meals meet Program Standards • Family education and support • Ensure children can participate with minimal disruption

14. Assurances • Collaborate to provide comprehensive services • Developmentally appropriate early learning - Transportation - Screening - Referral to other agencies for health - Family education & support

15. You play a vital role in this process. • Effective preschool programming cannot be achieved in isolation. It is important to involve parents and community partners who will be contributing to a child’s success in school. • We need your input and support.

16. What Will Working Together Do? • A common vision for children shared by all. • Preschool programs are for all eligible children, not just based on ability, family income or ethnic background. • Educators and care providers collaborate to provide solid educational opportunities for young children. • Relationships are strengthened and new ones are made.

17. Benefits of Working Together • Services for families and children are enhanced due to collaboration and communication among teachers, support providers, and families. • Quality learning environments through the use of program standards set the stage for high achievement for children. • Quality efforts are achievable through shared expertise of best practices reflected in program standards. • Evidence-based curriculum is used with ongoing child assessment.

18. Options Available

19. Options Available

20. Options Available

21. What is next? • Complete a needs assessment • February 26, 2009 - Collaboration meeting • March 3, 2009 - send letter of intent to apply for grant • March 30, 2009 – grant due

22. The children thank you!